Alaska Gray Wolves 101

Alaska is home to the largest remaining population of gray wolves in the United States. But ironically, at the same time heroic efforts are being undertaken to restore wolves in the lower 48 states, wolves in Alaska are often the victims of controversial predator-control programs.

Why They’re Important

Alaska's wolves, like all predators, play an essential role in their environment. They help to maintain healthy caribou and moose populations by killing weak prey animals thereby increasing the strength of the herd. In Alaska, they are also vital to the state's tourism economy: People from all over the world come to Alaska for the opportunity to see a real wild wolf.

Major Threats

In Alaska, the state legislature, the Board of Game and wolf-control supporters continue to advocate for intensive wolf-control programs to increase game populations whether or not studies have determined that habitat is sufficient or that decreasing wolves is necessary. For almost a decade, the most controversial aspect of these control programs has been aerial gunning whereby private hunters, rather than state managers, are allowed to shoot and kill wolves from the air.

What Defenders Is Doing to Help

Defenders has been working to protect Alaska’s wolves for more than two decades. Through citizen ballot initiatives, state legislation and Board of Game policy, we have sought to improve management of these animals.